LOSER IS THE BILLIONAIRE HEIR

Diana’s Dilemma

The hospital's private wing had the scent of old money, polished floors, and quiet money-filtered air. Unlike the general wards, it was quiet. No hurrying. No monitors that beep. Simply be silent. Managed.

Diana was standing outside Room 9A's door, adjusting her blouse. High-profile patients never had names on their rooms, and her grandfather's name wasn't on the door. 

She inhaled deeply. 

"Come in." the voice in her head said. 

The oxygen line was softly clipped to his nose, unaging him. She pushed the door open.

 He sat up straight in bed wearing a navy robe. On his lap, a newspaper lay untouched and folded neatly. Like monarchs holding swords, his hands were resting on either side.

 He gave her a look without grinning. "You were expected earlier."

 "There was traffic," she stated, putting her handbag aside. “And security.” 

"Traffic is not an excuse," he stated. And, security is not necessary. You need to exercise discretion.”

 Diana didn't say anything. She cautiously crossed her legs and sat down in the chair next to his bed. 

Finally, he remarked,

 "I learned about what transpired at the celebration." 

Diana's jaw tightened as she turned away. “It wasn’t…”

 “You made a boy with a name connected to this family feel ashamed. In front of half the Circle, you accomplished it as well.”

 Her first reaction was to yell, "He looked like a beggar." He was untagged and without a security clearance. I thought…”

 “You thought wrong.” His voice sliced like a razor through the room. 

Diana went rigid. He took a tiny step forward. Faintly, the oxygen tube hissed. 

“Victor Moon argued in his favor. In front of everybody.” 

Silently, she said, "I had no idea they were so close."

“They weren't.” With his gaze fixed on hers, he reclined. "That boy Marcus wasn't meant to be important. However, now? Victor stays near him. Things alter as a result.”

She gulped. "Do you consider him important?"

  "I believe we overlooked something," he remarked. "And I hate being taken by surprise." 

Diana's gaze lowered to her hands. "I'll try to fit it." 

“You'll go above and beyond. You will discover his identity. What he desires. And why he is being treated like a secret asset by Victor of all people.”

 She glanced at it. "What if I am unable to?" 

Her grandfather's eyes grew stern. "Then give it more effort."

    With her heels clicking on the shiny tiles, Diana exited the private wing through the glass doors and headed for the black SUV that was waiting for her.

Despite the heat, the shame that was seething beneath her skin did not go away. Like a judge's verdict, her grandfather's words replayed in her mind.

 When she spotted him, she was halfway to the car. Alexander, her boyfriend, was leaning against the passenger door of a stylish car that was parked close to her driver. Or what remained of him. 

Marcus had hit him at the party, leaving his lip bruised. His look indicated that he hadn't slept since, and he wore heavy sunglasses. 

Diana hesitated. "Why are you in this place?" 

Slowly, Alexander removed the sunglasses. "So, after all, you can talk." 

She let out a sigh. "Are you stalking me?"

"I have been calling you.but you didn't reply. You allowed me to be publicly humiliated by that guy.

 "You made a fool of yourself, Alexander."

 "I was standing up for you!" 

She stated bluntly, "No one asked you to."

 He took a step forward, his voice tensing. "You're not even aware of his identity."

 "No," she responded with her arms crossed. "But it seems like you don't either."

 Alexander wiggled his jaw. More painful than his face was his pride. "You believe Victor Moon brought him in without cause?" he inquired. "You are being manipulated."

 Diana's eyes glowed briefly. “Perhaps. However, at least I'm not slapping random people out of envy. 

He couldn't say a word. After turning, she went to her car and opened the door.

Alexander called after her.

 "Diana, remember who you were before he came along. Victor Moon didn't care to invite you to his table. She entered without answering. With a complete halt, the door closed.

***

The Moon estate's main corridor was illuminated by a magical skylight that let golden light pour down, creating soft patterns on the polished floor. A stone fountain's water flowed in time out in the distance. 

A peaceful, steady, and discreet heartbeat was characteristic of the mansion. 

Marcus folded his arms and stood by a tall window outside his suite, the curtain letting in a little morning breeze. He did not eat. Very seldom did he. Not in too-comfortable circumstances.

 There was a gentle knock behind him. Although he didn't turn, his voice was steady and low. "Yes"

Wearing the standard Moon house uniform, a maid no older than twenty-two entered with a respectful yet straight stance.

 She said, "Good morning, sir. Miss Sarah asked me to give you a call." "We've served breakfast. She's at the table already. 

Marcus gave one blink. "Okay that k you," he said. "Tell her I'll be with her soon." 

The girl left with quiet footsteps on the marble after bowing. Natural light and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, honeyed fruit, and warm bread filled the dining area. Instead of sitting at the head of the long table, as her grandfather typically did, Sarah took a seat close to the center. Intentional but casual. When Marcus walked in, she looked up.

“You came," she replied plainly. He took the seat opposite her and said, 

"You asked." The quiet was long, but not uncomfortable. 

Marcus grabbed a water glass. Since he doesn't consume alcohol.

 He said, "I saw the portrait again." 

Sarah's eyebrows went up. "Which one?" 

"Your grandmother." A moment's silence.

 "Persephone," she murmured. She passed away a while ago. I hardly recognize her. 

Marcus looked at her face. "What happened?" 

Sarah leaned back in her chair and exhaled slightly. "Nobody knows," she added. Or perhaps they do, but they choose not to discuss it. All I know is that my grandfather dislikes talking about her. Not at all.

His head tilted slightly. "That is not unusual." 

“He claimed that everything about her was unusual. She was aggressive but quiet. It was once said that Victor only won half of his fights because she intimidated the other fighters into giving up. A small smile pulled at her mouth. That seemed romantic to me once. I now believe that was most likely true.”

 Marcus turned to look at the large glass windows behind her, where the lawn was dancing in the dawn light. 

He stated plainly, "She felt powerful." 

"Even in a picture."

 "She was," said Sarah. “Why do you ask?” she asked, her voice tilted curiously.

Marcus tapped his glass once with his fingers. He took a while to respond. Finally, he said, 

"Familiarity." 

Even though she didn't understand what he meant, Sarah nodded after giving him a small pout. 

She whispered, "She had that effect." "Even right now."